Brian Cotter, Baron Cotter

Brian Joseph Michael Cotter, Baron Cotter (24 August 1936 – 14 November 2023), was a British Liberal Democrat politician. He was Member of Parliament for Weston-super-Mare from 1997 to 2005, and subsequently a member of the House of Lords from 2006 until his death.

Background and career Born in Ealing, the son of a doctor from Weston-super-Mare, Cotter was educated at Saint Benedict's School, Ealing, and Downside School in Somerset, where, aged sixteen, he ran a 4½ minute mile. Upon leaving school, he entered the British Army, serving two years National Service, spending time stationed in West Germany. He delivered his maiden speech in the Lords on 29 June.

Cotter took an interest in a number of areas, and on various issues as they arose. Specifically, before the coalition government was formed in 2010, he led for the Liberal Democrats on Small Business issues and vocational education; specifically apprenticeships. Within the coalition, he concentrated on business and vocational training issues.

Cotter married Eyleen Patricia Wade in February 1963. They had two sons and a daughter. Lord Cotter died from complications of dementia on 14 November 2023, at the age of 87.